Historically, December is the second deadliest month for pedestrian deaths in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (December 13, 2017) – Zero Fatalities has installed outdoor advertisements as part of the “Heads Up” pedestrian safety campaign, reminding people to stay alert when walking this holiday season. Twenty sidewalk clings were placed from Ogden to Provo along with retro-reflective advertisements at 50 bus shelters throughout Salt Lake City. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) selected intersections with high pedestrian traffic and crashes.

“Unfortunately, we see far too many pedestrian deaths, especially this time of year” said UDOT Traffic and Safety Director Robert Miles. “We hope these messages will remind Utahns to be more aware and more careful when walking close to traffic.”

There are two different sidewalk clings. One reads, “The driver didn’t see the pedestrian. The pedestrian didn’t see the driver. Watch for cars, they might not see you.” The second cling reads, “Your life is in danger. Watch for cars, they might not see you.”

“Pedestrian deaths are 100-percent preventable,” Miles said. “But to prevent pedestrian fatalities, drivers and pedestrians must work together.”

Pedestrian fatalities are increasing at an alarming rate in Utah and across the Nation. This year, 40 pedestrians have been killed on Utah roads, already surpassing the total number of pedestrian deaths in 2016. In Utah, historical crash data shows pedestrian fatalities increase during the fall and winter months. December is the second deadliest month, second to October, for pedestrian fatalities.